Explores what made Gunsmoke unique and why it was so popular. Especially insightful are 74 in-depth interviews and reminiscences by principal performers (Arness, Blake, Weaver, et al.), guest stars (Hartley, O'Connor, Leachman, Reynolds, Conrad, et al.), directors, writers and producers associated with the radio and television programmes. A 128-page glossy section contains 241 photographs.